Frye, Gladys A.

Gladys A. Frye, 93, of The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, formerly of Des Moines, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 3, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Iles Funeral Homes Westover Chapel in Des Moines, where the family will greet friends one hour before the service. Private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.

Gladys was born Jan. 30, 1919, to Mentz and Hannah Theodorson in Jewell, Iowa. In 1936, she moved to Des Moines, where Gladys graduated from American Institute of Business. She married Donald Frye in 1945; he preceded her in death in 2003. She worked at Gibbs Cook Equipment and later for the Des Moines Public Schools until her retirement in 1981.

Gladys never knew an idle moment. She enjoyed traveling, sewing and handwork of all kinds, including china painting and creating porcelain dolls. She was a member of College Avenue Christian Church for nearly 60 years. Gladys loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Don Frye of Windsor Heights; daughter, Kathryn (Allen) Thomas of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Nathan (Tammy), Daniel (Dawn), Andrew and Priscilla Frye and Leslie and Laurie Thomas; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence Kalsiem of Story City; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and daughter-in-law.

Gladys's family would like to thank the caring staffs at Westridge Care Center, RidgeView Assisted Living Community, The Meth-Wick Community and Hospice of Mercy for the loving care she received in the past several years.

Memorial contributions may be made to College Avenue Christian Church, 4404 College Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311.

Published in The Gazette Feb. 5, 2012